Jacksonville says city has cut homeless population by 49%

If you’re in Duval County and you’re seeing fewer unhoused people on the streets, there’s a reason why.

Jacksonville City Council Finance Chair Ron Salem says the population has been cut in half.

“In the past year, the number of sheltered was reduced from 779 persons in 2024 to 719 persons in 2025. The number of unsheltered, those sleeping in parks, on sidewalks or vacant buildings in 2024 was 566 persons and only 290 persons in 2025, a reduction of 49%,” a press release says.

“This is the result of what happens when we work toward real solutions.” Salem added. “The City Council focused its efforts on homelessness, developed and funded a creative solution that has translated into hundreds of lives being changed. Our goal was not just to reduce numbers, but to prove that the programs we are investing in are working.”

Mayor Donna Deegan said “the 2025 Point in Time Count … shows that we’re on the right track since the city developed a strategic plan, launched the JFRD PATH outreach team, and expanded available shelter beds. It’s important to note that this one data point is also a snapshot in time. We know there is more to do. We must continue the work with our community partners to move people into housing and grow the forward progress.”

Deegan said previously that the city was engaged in “24/7 outreach to the homeless community and connecting them to resources,” in the wake of claims from Citizens Insurance employees downtown saying they were “attacked” by a homeless person late last year.

State law has compelled cities like Jacksonville to address the issue. Recently approved legislation (HB 1365) bans counties and municipalities from permitting public sleeping or public camping on public property without explicit permission.